UFO Potpourri No 397

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: 397
Date: December 1995
Publisher: JOHN F. SCHUESSLER
Location: Houston, TX

This issue of UFO POTPOURRI delves into several prominent UFO-related topics of the mid-1990s, including a presidential statement on Roswell, a potential astronaut sighting, and a detailed examination of the controversial 'alien autopsy' film.

President Clinton Mentions the Roswell Crash

The lead story reports on President Bill Clinton's remarks in Northern Ireland, where he responded to a letter from a 13-year-old named Ryan. Clinton stated that, to his knowledge, no alien spacecraft crashed at Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. This statement reportedly drew laughter and puzzlement. The article provides the White House address for readers who wish to send UFO information to the President to correct his perceived misconception.

No, Ryan, there was no UFO. Now about Santa Claus

This article, attributed to Cragg Hines, expands on President Clinton's interaction with young people in Belfast. It reiterates Clinton's response to Ryan's question about the Roswell incident, framing it within his efforts to connect with children. Hines humorously speculates that Clinton might regret engaging with the topic, suggesting tabloid fodder about the President conversing with aliens. The official Air Force explanation of the Roswell event as a surveillance device is also mentioned.

Did the STS-73 Astronauts See a UFO?

This section, sourced from the November 1995 issue of THE UFO ENIGMA, reports on a claim that a female astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-73 mission saw a UFO. According to UFOSG member Bob Soetebier, who obtained the information from computer networks, one of the two female astronauts, Kathryn Thornton or Catherine Coleman, stated, "We have an Unidentified Flying Object" for approximately 10-15 minutes. The article questions whether this was a genuine sighting or a joke, noting the unlikelihood of public release of any photographic or video evidence.

Compelling Evidence

This article discusses two significant pieces of evidence presented at the Dialog With the Universe Conference in Dusseldorf on October 28, 1995.

The first piece of evidence is a videotape of Astronaut Gordon Cooper. Cooper reportedly stated that he knew for a fact that a UFO landed at an airbase where he was stationed, was filmed landing, and that he had sent the film and documents to Washington, D.C. The article suggests that if true, this evidence should be producible by the U.S. government.

The second piece of evidence is a film shown by Mr. Bongiovanni, an Italian stigmatic. This film allegedly shows a crashed disc UFO on a 40-foot military flatbed truck, a large hangar, and a component (possibly a propulsion system) being hoisted by chains. It is claimed that the film originated from Wright Patterson AFB and depicts a UFO recovered in 1947, potentially being a more significant revelation than the Santilli films.

The article concludes by noting that this material, combined with numerous gun camera films of UFOs from military pilots since WWII, constitutes a growing reservoir of UFO information that should be made public.

Alien Autopsy....Or An Earthly Hoax?

This extensive section critically examines the controversial 'alien autopsy' film. It acknowledges that despite much discussion, no definitive proof of its authenticity or falsity has emerged. Several individuals, including Stanton Friedman, Richard Hall, and Walter Andrus, are mentioned as seeking evidence.

Santilli's Statement

Ray Santilli, the owner of the autopsy film, admits he is a likely target for cynics due to his background in archive film. In an interview with the London DAILY MAIL, he stated that he was in the right place at the right time to acquire the film. Santilli claims to know the cameraman, whose background checks (army enrollment, discharge papers) he verified. He believes the film is genuine in that the cameraman shot it, but is uncertain about the subject matter—whether it's an alien, an experiment, or a human with a chromosome disorder. He asserts that no single human condition can account for the deformities shown and that medical experts believe the creature was alive before filming. Santilli states there is no evidence of a hoax and that the creature appears to be flesh and blood.

Why It May Be Genuine

• Several points are raised to support the film's authenticity:
• The subject lacks a belly button, common to all humans except some Siamese twins.
• No known diseases or medical conditions can explain the displayed deformities (distended belly, bulging head, large eyes, eye-coverings).
• While one human freak is conceivable, the film shows two similar aliens.
• The subject has six fingers and six toes per appendage.
• Named surgeons have stated the remains do not resemble any human and that the brain is not human.
• The film industry in 1947 lacked the capability for such convincing special effects.
• Film markings are consistent with 1927, 1947, and 1967, but the film type and processing appear to be from 1947.

Why It May Be A Fake

• Counterarguments suggesting the film is a hoax include:
• The alien is human-like, with female-like genitalia and a human-like face.
• Santilli has not revealed the source of the film.
• Some claim to see the word 'video' spelled out in the alien hieroglyphics.
• It could be a genuine autopsy of a human freak, a survivor of medical experiments, or a test subject.
• Santilli stands to profit significantly from the film.

Reality Check

Richard Hall, in the Nov/Dec '95 issue of UFO Magazine, proposed a reality check. He outlined the necessary information for a definitive answer and concluded that until the raised questions are satisfactorily answered, no one can pass final judgment. The article includes a caption noting that the image shows "Supposedly from the wreckage: Control panels for six fingers."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and the search for evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and evidence while encouraging skepticism and further investigation. The issue highlights the public's interest in UFOs, even reaching the level of presidential discourse, and emphasizes the need for disclosure of information regarding UFOs and potential extraterrestrial encounters.